Son of the hero or man of the people
Derived from the Old English surname and the Old Norse byname Manningi, it originally referred to a person of strength or a 'manly' individual. In some contexts, it is also associated with the Old German word for 'people' or 'tribe.' It has transitioned from a surname to a rare but recognizable first name in the United States.
About 18 boys were named Manning in 2025.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
American political scientist and professor
Union Army general during the American Civil War
